The Olympic Games have always been a celebration of talent, effort and the dreams of athletes, but Los Angeles 2028 promises to take that idea one step further. LA28 will not only be a major spectacle for fans around the world, but also an event designed from within, with the experience of those who compete at its core. From planning to the symbols that will represent the Games, the athletes’ voice has been present consistently.
For those who arrive in Los Angeles to compete, the changes may not always be obvious at first glance, but they will be felt in everyday details: smoother processes, decisions shaped by real high-performance experience, and an organization that understands athletes’ needs both on and off the field of play. That is the foundation on which LA28’s ambition is built to become the most athlete-driven Olympic Games in history.
An Athletes’ Commission with a real voice at LA28
One of the pillars of this approach is the creation of the LA28 Athletes’ Commission, made up of nine Olympic and nine Paralympic athletes. This group does not play a symbolic role; instead, it actively advises the Organizing Committee across multiple areas, contributing direct experience to enhance both the athlete journey and the fan experience at the Games.
Figures such as Allyson Felix, Apolo Ohno, Nastia Liukin, Ibtihaj Muhammad and Adam Rippon work alongside Paralympic athletes including Scout Bassett, Lex Gillette and Alana Nichols, among others. Their input has even shaped key decisions such as the detailed competition schedule, announced in November 2025, reinforcing the idea that LA28 is being built by listening to those who know the Olympic stage best.
Identity, legacy and support beyond competition
Athlete involvement has also been central to the visual identity of the Games. Since 2020, Olympic and Paralympic athletes have contributed their own versions of the LA28 “A” emblem, keeping the “L”, “2” and “8” elements bold and unchanged while reinterpreting the symbol through their personal stories. More than 40 unique emblems have emerged from this campaign, bringing together athletes, artists and members of the Los Angeles community.
Champions such as Venus Williams, Michael Johnson, Chloe Kim, Alex Morgan, Gabby Douglas and the family of Kobe Bryant have left their mark on these designs, reflecting the diversity and cultural weight of sport in the city. Added to this is the LA28 Athlete Fellowship Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative for a host city, supporting retired athletes in their transition beyond competition, including into full-time roles within the Games’ organization. An approach that understands sport not only as competition, but as a long-term pathway for those who bring it to life.
